A Methodology for Training Toolkits Implementation in Smart Labs.

Globally, educational institutes are trying to adapt modernized and effective approaches and tools to their education systems to improve the quality of their performance and achievements. However, identifying, designing, and/or developing promising mechanisms and tools that can impact class activities and the development of students' outputs are critical success factors. Given that, the contribution of this work is to propose a methodology that can guide and usher educational institutes step by step through the implementation of a personalized package of training Toolkits in Smart Labs. In this study, the package of Toolkits refers to a set of needed tools, resources, and materials that, with integration into a Smart Lab can, on the one hand, empower teachers and instructors in designing and developing personalized training disciplines and module courses and, on the other hand, may support students (in different ways) in developing their skills. To demonstrate the applicability and usefulness of the proposed methodology, a model was first developed, representing the potential Toolkits for training and skill development. The model was then tested by instantiating a particular box that integrates some hardware to be able to connect sensors to actuators, with an eye toward implementing this system mainly in the health domain. In a real scenario, the box was used in an engineering program and its associated Smart Lab to develop students' skills and capabilities in the areas of the Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI). The main outcome of this work is a methodology supported by a model able to represent Smart Lab assets in order to facilitate training programs through training Toolkits.

Review of Technology-Supported Multimodal Solutions for People with Dementia.

The number of people living with dementia in the world is rising at an unprecedented rate, and no country will be spared. Furthermore, neither decisive treatment nor effective medicines have yet become effective. One potential alternative to this emerging challenge is utilizing supportive technologies and services that not only assist people with dementia to do their daily activities safely and independently, but also reduce the overwhelming pressure on their caregivers. Thus, for this study, a systematic literature review is conducted in an attempt to gain an overview of the latest findings in this field of study and to address some commercially available supportive technologies and services that have potential application for people living with dementia. To this end, 30 potential supportive technologies and 15 active supportive services are identified from the literature and related websites. The technologies and services are classified into different classes and subclasses (according to their functionalities, capabilities, and features) aiming to facilitate their understanding and evaluation. The results of this work are aimed as a base for designing, integrating, developing, adapting, and customizing potential multimodal solutions for the specific needs of vulnerable people of our societies, such as those who suffer from different degrees of dementia.